SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Sarah Debrow reminded everyone in the stands why she was named Heartland Conference Pitcher of the Year for the second-straight year. She earned her 18^th victory of the season and struck out seven batters on her way to a one hit shutout. St. Edward's defeated Texas A&M-International, 9-0, Thursday afternoon at The Park at St. Mary's. This was the opening game of the Heartland Conference Tournament.
 
The Hilltoppers took control of the game in second inning with six runs on four hits. Emily Mayfield got on base via a hit by pitch. She quickly scored when Faith Roberts tripled to center field. Caitie Carney hit a line drive homerun to left field, pushing the lead to 3-0 with only one out in the inning. Cydney Ervin also got on base in the inning after being hit by a pitch. She advanced into scoring position after successfully stealing second. Kaci Olson singled through the right side that brought Ervin home. Alex Mayfield got on base with a walk. Kendall Lucas doubled down the left field line that scored the final two runs of the inning.
 
In the fourth inning, the Hilltoppers added three more runs to extend the lead to 9-0. Marisa Bogart singled to left field to reach base. Bogart advanced to second when Lucas was walked. E. Mayfield singled to right center, allowing Bogart and Lucas to score. Lauren Brode singled to center field and picked up the RBI when Mayfield scored from second base.
 
The Dustdevils were in danger of being run ruled and needed to score in the fifth inning. Debrow allowed no such thing, as it was three-up, three-down for TAMU-International as it was for the majority of the contest. St. Edward's took game one of the Heartland Conference tournament, 9-0.
 
Faith Roberts led the Hilltoppers with two hits in the contest. Lucas, E. Mayfield, and Carney all had two RBI during the game. Sarah Debrow earned her sixth shutout of the year. St. Edward's has now won four-consecutive games.
 
The Hilltoppers will be back in action tomorrow to face St. Mary's in the winner's bracket final. First pitch is set for 11:00 a.m. on the campus of St. Mary's in San Antonio, Texas. Live stats and video will be available through the Rattler Athletic Website.